What are abortion pills by mail?

If you have an unexpected pregnancy, you may feel scared and unsure if you're ready to have a baby. You may have heard about abortion pills by mail and wonder if they're safe. Safety is key. We want you to be informed before taking this step. Here are some things to know about abortion pills by mail.

What are abortion pills by mail?

Getting abortion pills by mail means a woman ordered them online or over the phone without an in-person doctor’s exam. Then they mailed to her, and she took them at home.

The two drugs used are mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol which is FDA approved up until 10 weeks from the last menstrual period. The first drug (mifepristone) blocks progesterone, which stops the fetus from growing. The second drug, misoprostol, taken 24-48 hours later, induces labor so the fetus is expelled from the uterus.

Before doing anything else, first make sure you have a viable pregnancy by getting an ultrasound. The CDC says that up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage or loss.

Can I buy abortion pills online?

As with all medications, there are risks involved with taking the abortion pill. As such, the FDA has approved it for use only with the prescription and oversight of a licensed doctor.  

 

The FDA used to require a woman to see her doctor in person to receive the abortion pill to make sure it was safe for her. In 2021, the FDA changed their requirements so women could get them sent by mail without seeing a doctor for an exam. But there are state-by-state restrictions on the online sale of abortion medications. If you live in a state that allows you to order abortion pills drugs online, it’s very important to buy them from reliable souIs it risky to get abortion pills by mail?

Is it safe to buy abortion pills online?

Not really. Abortion pills by mail without a doctor's visit or an ultrasound is risky, because:

·        Your pregnancy may be farther along than 10 weeks, which could lead to excessive bleeding or complications that require emergency surgery.

·        You may have an ectopic pregnancy, which means the baby is developing outside of the uterus. The abortion pill will not end an ectopic pregnancy, which could be life-threatening.

·       You may be taking medication from an unknown source and that’s dangerous. Nearly 95% of online pharmacies offering prescription-only drugs operate illegally. Even if you think you are ordering abortion pills from a reliable website, they may be coming from the Black Market or other countries that do not have medical safeguards in place.

By not seeing a medical professional in person, you are more susceptible to these risks. Set up an appointment to get an ultrasound so they can confirm a viable pregnancy in the uterus. Even the warning labeling of mifeprex recommends getting an exam and ultrasound first[1].

 

How can I protect myself from illegitimate abortion pills online?

 

  • Do NOT order abortion pills online from a website that does not ask you for a doctor's prescription before placing an order. Legitimate online pharmacies abide by the law to maintain their license.

  • Do NOT order abortion pills online from a website that has no pharmacist contact. This is a red flag that the site may be selling illegitimate drugs.

  • DO contact your doctor to discuss your pregnancy before ordering the abortion pill.

  • DO receive a verified pregnancy test, STI testing, and an ultrasound to confirm the length of pregnancy.

Many women have put their lives on the line, assuming these pills are completely safe.

Let's talk!

Before you order abortion pills by mail, for your safety, please see a medical professional and get an ultrasound. At NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers, we are available 24/7 to help you. We provide free services including:

●          Pregnancy testing

●          Ultrasound

●          Medical consultation

●          Continuing education

We will never judge your decision to get an abortion, but we want to help you stay safe and healthy. You are valuable and deserve good health care.

[1] The duration of pregnancy may be determined from menstrual history and clinical examination. Assess the pregnancy by ultrasonographic scan if the duration of pregnancy is uncertain or if ectopic pregnancy is suspected.

Mai Bean